100 YEARS, 100 OBJECTS

The Czech 100 project maps Czech lifestyle over the last hundred years. We aim to
tell the Czech story through objects that defined their eras, to look at history and
the present with a combination of self-deprecation and pride
We have chosen 100 objects – a hundred icons of Czech design and style. The
selection was by no means easy. It is the outcome of heated discussions between
people from the Czech design scene – journalists, designers, curators, dealers and
gallerists. Although each era was overseen by an expert, the nominations came from
many sources, and we are grateful for that.
We have tried to put together a hit parade of the best of Czech design, from
industrial products to unique art objects, from vehicles to jewellery, from an
aeroplane to a magazine and a children’s toy. We wanted our selection to be
representative, and at the same time playful, to entertain as well as reveal new
connections in Czech design. Although we are looking back at history, we want
the selection to contribute to a better understanding of the present generation of
designers.
We finished the Czech 100 in record time, just a few months, on time for its
premiere at the Stilwerk in Berlin as part of the DesignMai festival. But like Czech
design itself, our race is far from over. This is a long-distance event.
As we could not avoid ‘disqualifying’ a number of ingenious ideas, your personal
favourite may be missing from our hit parade. Don’t despair, and please send your
nomination to www.czechmania.com.
We look forward to your alternative one hundred!